The skin is the largest organ of your body and constitutes the first defense barrier of your body against the aggressions of the environment. In addition, the skin of the face has the peculiarity of being very sensitive to damage from various sources, in particular the sun, and has the uniqueness that, unlike the skin of other parts of the body, it is more delicate and difficult to try and it also takes longer to regain your normal appearance.
Naturally, the skin of the face produces its own lubrication; a kind of oil that we call tallow. This helps protect it from the action of ultraviolet sunlight and some bacteria and other organisms. However, many situations can cause the skin on your face to dry out, which alters its normal balance and predisposes it to any type of injury, including an increase in so-called expression lines (wrinkles).
In this FastlyHealarticle we explain the causes of dry face , medical treatments and home remedies that will help you prevent and combat this condition.
Table of Contents
Xerosis or dry face: causes
Xerosis is the clinical term to define dryness of the skin, conjunctiva, and mucosa. Thus, in this case we are talking about the causes of xerosis on the skin of the face . There are many causes that can cause dryness in the face . Next, we mention the most frequent:
Dehydration
Some people have a bad habit of drinking water only when they feel thirsty. Thirst is the manifestation that your body makes when it is already dehydrated, to tell you that it needs you to hydrate.
The frequent and regular consumption of water during the day keeps all your skin hydrated (especially that of the face) allowing it, in this way, to adequately fulfill its functions.
Adverse weather
Excessively cold weather, excessively hot or dry air are extremely harmful to the skin of your face. Proper management of your skin under any of these conditions is essential to avoid dryness.
In fact, adverse weather is one of the main causes of peeling skin .
Treating the skin of the face badly
Washing the skin of your face excessively, the use of aggressive soaps and the alteration of the pH of the skin of your face are also conditions that lead to it drying out and peeling or flaking, because it wears more and is altered .
Skin conditions
Dermatitis of various etiologies (atopic, seborrheic, etc.) and some particular conditions, such as psoriasis, among others, lead to dryness on the skin of the face , as well as other parts of the body.
Learn more about Atopic Dermatitis, its symptoms, causes and treatment in this other FastlyHealarticle.
Systemic diseases
Some systemic diseases, such as hypothyroidism, predispose the skin of the face to suffer from dryness and flaking.
Medical treatment for dry face
The care of the skin of the face involves the application of some products that keep it hydrated, which makes it easier for it to fulfill its functions. Here we show you several treatment options for dry or parched skin of the face :
Moisturizing creams
They contribute to the moisturization of your skin since it retains more water, thus preventing it from becoming dehydrated. These contain, among other components, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and colloidal oatmeal. You should avoid creams and other products that contain alcohol, fragrances, dioxane and / or petroleum jelly.
Mild cleansers
Body soaps are not suitable for cleaning your face, as they contain ingredients that are aggressive. You should avoid using products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, diethanolamide (DEA), monoethanolamide (MEA) and triethanolamide (TEA) and, on the contrary, use soaps specially made for cleaning the skin of the face that you will easily find in pharmacy.
Scrubs
It is essential to exfoliate the skin of the face once or twice a week (no more and no less) using exfoliants specifically made for this process on the skin of the face.
Avoid the use of natural exfoliants such as preparations with sugar, coffee or others, which are harmful to the skin of your face when it is in this delicate state of dryness.
Sunscreen
Daily use of sunscreen on your face is important, especially if your skin naturally tends to be dry and, above all, when the place where you live starts to get hotter and the sun hits you more directly. Try to use protectors with an SPF greater than 50.
Home remedies for dry face
Some homemade measures can help you keep your skin hydrated and avoid dry and flaky facial skin :
Aloe vera for dry skin
Aloe vera is excellent for preserving the smooth appearance of your skin. However, you must take care to use treated aloe vera, which has had the high iodine content and the aloin it has removed because it can not only stain the skin of your face, but it can also be harmful to your health.
Aloe vera increases the collagen and elastin of the skin, which allows to restore its elasticity and flexibility. Many commercial preparations contain aloe extract that can be extremely useful.
Here you can learn more about Aloe vera for the face: properties and treatments .
Glycerin and rose water
Glycerin acts as a moisturizer and emollient for your skin, and rose water is hydrating, soothing, and refreshing for your skin. Mix equal parts glycerin and rose water. You can apply it two or three nights a week, leave it for an hour, and then remove it with warm water.
Apple vinager
The mild acids in this vinegar help to rebalance the pH of your skin, as well as antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that allow the faster repair of the skin on your face. Make a mixture with ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon water, and ½ teaspoon honey. You can use it in the same way as the previous one.
Here we show you more about the benefits of apple cider vinegar for the skin .
Avocado mask
Avocado is rich in vegetable oil that will moisturize your skin and in antioxidant vitamins (A, E and C). Make a paste with ½ avocado and ¼ cup of honey. Apply it on your face in the form of a mask and keep it for 15 minutes. Remove it with lukewarm water. Repeat it once or twice a week.
Egg face mask
Egg yolk is an incredible source of protein and antioxidant vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Mix one egg (just the yolk), 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of rose water. Use it the same as the previous one.
Ginger for dry face
Ginger is rich in gingerols, a group of phytochemicals that regenerate the skin. You will need a tablespoon of ginger juice, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of rose water. Use it in the same way as described above.
Vitamins for dry face
The regular consumption of vitamin supplements of organic origin (totally natural, not of chemical origin) of antioxidants (vitamins A, D, C, E and K) allows the rapid repair of your skin and keeps it fresh and healthy.
For example, if you opt for C, one of the most antioxidants, we recommend reading this other article by FastlyHealon How to use vitamin C ampoules for the face .
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Dry face: causes, treatment and home remedies , we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair and nails category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.